The Oscar-winner highlights the persistent issue of pay disparity between male and female actors

Olivia Colman, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, recently shed light on the persistent gender pay gap in the film industry, stating that her earnings would significantly increase if she were a male actor. During an appearance on CNN’s Christiane Amanpour program, Colman discussed the financial inequalities that prevail, attributing them to the outdated notion that male actors are the primary draw for audiences.

The conversation arose while Colman was promoting her latest film, “Wicked Little Letters,” where she plays the role of Edith Swan, set against the backdrop of the 1923 Littlehampton poison-pen scandal. Colman expressed frustration over the gender-based earning potential limitations, emphasizing that the assumption male actors attract more box office attention is a long-disproved myth.

“Research suggests that [women have] always been big box office draws,” Colman remarked, challenging the industry’s rationale behind the pay disparity. She further shared an astonishing example of a pay gap where a male counterpart earned 12,000% more than a female counterpart in a production, showcasing the severity of the issue, though she did not specify the project.

Colman’s critique extends beyond pay disparity to address the broader gender biases in society, including how expressions of anger or frustration are received differently based on gender. Her candid use of expletives during interviews underscores her stance against the double standards women face, both within and outside the entertainment industry.

Her role in “Wicked Little Letters” is among the many that highlight Colman’s versatility and dedication to challenging roles, further establishing her as a force in cinema. She has previously earned critical acclaim for her performances in “The Crown” and “The Favourite,” the latter of which secured her an Oscar for Best Actress.

The issue of pay disparity is underscored by the recent Forbes report, which named Adam Sandler as the highest-paid actor of 2023, with earnings of $73 million, predominantly from his Netflix film “Murder Mystery 2” and a comedy tour. In comparison, Margot Robbie was the second-highest earner and the top-earning female actor, with $59 million from her role in “Barbie,” highlighting the significant earnings gap even among top-tier actors.

Colman’s outspoken stance on gender pay inequality serves as a critical reminder of the systemic issues that persist within the film industry, urging for a reevaluation of how value and compensation are determined and distributed. As Hollywood continues to grapple with issues of equity and representation, voices like Colman’s play a pivotal role in catalyzing change towards a more inclusive and fair industry